Miami University Concerned About Drinking Binge

Miami says it is alarmed and taking steps to get the drinking problem under control.

Miami University

"Alarming" is how Miami University officials describe the hospitalization of 21 students this weekend for alcohol abuse.

The ambulance runs started when a self-imposed moratorium by sororities and fraternities on alcohol events expired Thursday following "rush," or the recruitment of new pledges.

University spokeswoman Claire Wagner says President Gregory Crawford had about 50-55 sorority and fraternity presidents at his home Friday to talk about the problem. He has also asked student leaders, faculty and staff for input about what else to do.

It's not that Miami has closed its eyes to the problem. It 's been proactive with these programs already in place:

Alcohol policies that include no alcohol in first-year residence halls and a Code of Conduct policy that result in mandatory suspension after 2 or 3 alcohol violations.

A partnership with students and the City of Oxford to reduce open off-campus parties where much dangerous drinking occurs.

The creation of an Alcohol Coordinating Committee with five work groups, some including Oxford residents, to address specific issues and recommend actions.

New this year: Birth dates on student ID cards, virtual town hall for more than 200 parents on the topic of student alcohol abuse.

On March 9 Miami will host an official from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to assess Miami’s programs. The university says its working with Oxford to help train uptown vendors and taxi drivers to recognize alcohol poisoning.